CHELMSFORD, Mass. – Sept. 2, 2026 – NASCAR and iRacing Studios have released a new developer diary trailer for NASCAR 26, the newest game in the franchise launching September 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Watch today’s new developer video and discover more about the improved career mode featuring weekly strategic planning that follows you throughout your driving career and new details about The Chase, a new customizable standalone mode where you fight for a championship over the last 10 races of the season against the field of your choice. Fans will also find out more about the impact of the new Peak Performance feature, the revamped paint kit, new and improved driver ratings, side drafting, graphical improvements, and more!
ABOUT NASCAR 26
NASCAR 26 will build upon the success of NASCAR 25, developed by iRacing, which launched on PC and consoles last fall. This year’s game, which features NASCAR star Kyle Larson as its cover driver, once again includes four NASCAR series – the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series – with real drivers from each series. This year’s title adds a groundbreaking new dynamic track feature that evolves over the course of every race weekend, cross-platform multiplayer, a new Peak Performance training mode and more, making it the most authentic NASCAR experience ever delivered on console.
Built in collaboration with NASCAR and powered by iRacing Studios’ industry-leading simulation technology, NASCAR 26 continues the franchise’s commitment to delivering an authentic representation of the sport both on and off the track.
Additional features include:
- New and improved game modes including an enhanced career mode with a new facilities feature and team upgrades, a standalone mode featuring The Chase, a new training mode, and cross-platform multiplayer
- Visual upgrades including improved graphics, skies, and dynamic lighting, plus better replay cameras
- More realistic racing with the new dynamic track technology, enhanced calibration tools for controls and force feedback, an improved driving model with overhauled tire and braking models, better driver AI, a particle system that enhances smoke, debris, and rubber buildup, and a 750 HP package
- New additions such as burnout celebrations, an all-new Ram truck, a new spotter (Freddie Kraft), and a trophy room
- New tracks including the Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado, Chicagoland, and St. Petersburg
- A host of other improvements with updated driver ratings, an improved paint kit, safety violations, DNFs and much, much more
Fans can pre-order NASCAR 26 at www.NASCAR26.com and choose from a Standard Edition ($59.99) and Gold Edition ($79.99), with Gold Edition owners receiving three days of early access beginning on September 15, four monthly paint scheme DLC packs, 1,000 career mode rep points, a $10,000 career bonus, and more.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.
About iRacing
The world leader in the online racing simulation and gaming market, iRacing was founded in 2003 by Dave Kaemmer, co-founder of Papyrus Design Group, and John Henry, principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing. iRacing has developed dozens of formal partnerships in the motorsport industry to help create the most authentic racing simulation in the world, including with NASCAR, INDYCAR, the FIA, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, and numerous other car manufacturers, tracks, and racing series. Alongside its PC simulation, iRacing also produces the official console games of NASCAR (beginning in 2025) and the World of Outlaws, as well as the fantasy off-road racing game ExoCross. Learn more at www.iracing.com.
